A Spy on the Home Front American Girl Molly Mysteries #1 by Alison Hart
My overall rating: 3.5 / 5 Genre: Children’s historical mystery
Having just read the main Molly series, I read the first Molly mystery to follow it up. It wasn’t bad, but it didn’t really have the style and heart of the main series. No one from the main series, besides Molly herself, is in this book, and Molly’s summer friend Anna doesn’t really have much of a personality. I do like the historical information regarding German-Americans placed in internment camps, the pro-Nazi Silver Legion, and the WASPs, of which Molly’s aunt is one. This book also has a “Looking Back” section like the main series books, which goes into detail more on each of these points. The mystery in the book, which involved tracking down a Silver Legion member who was sending anti-American propaganda flyers out via planes at a local airfield, was not terribly complicated, but it was a decent vehicle for the history, keeping the book from feeling dry. Molly’s strategic and slightly manipulative personality from the main series does continue here, making it a decent follow-up for anyone who has read the main series, though it could be read as a stand-alone too.
The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper, adapted by Eliza Gatewood Warren
My rating: 4 / 5 Genre: Classic, children’s
It’s difficult to know whether to rate books like this based on the story or on the adaptation. I’ve never read the original book and only vaguely remember seeing the movie when I was younger (I remember my dad watching it a lot). The only thing I really remember is some romance and a cave behind a waterfall. Anyway, in an adaptation like this, it’s no surprise to find a lot more telling than showing, as the adapter not only needs to shorten the story but also explain things in simple language. I think it gets the overall story across fine, though without the depth the original would have. And most likely without some emotion. In the end, I felt like the main thing that was lacking was a real connection between Hawkeye and Chingachgook, considering that the ending makes a big deal out of their friendship.
What is especially difficult about reviewing or recommending this book, though, is that it’s meant for kids, yet it’s full of violence and death. I’m sure the original is more so, of course. But I can only imagine the illustrator’s remarks about some of the illustrations he/she was asked to draw: “You want him being shot?” “So the knife should be bloody in this one?” “How many will be lying dead on the ground in this scene?” “Oh, she’s about to be scalped? Taken away to be forced to be his wife? Sure, no problem.” So in the end, I think I’d recommend this book be read with your kids, so you can talk about the harsh reality of life during wartime.
The Black Circle The 39 Clues #5 by Patrick Carman
My rating: 4.5 / 5 Genre: Children’s mystery, adventure
Spoiler notice: The following review may contain some spoilers for the previous books in the series, starting with The Maze of Bones.
A cryptic telegram leads Amy and Dan Cahill to Russia without the one adult that’s had their backs in the clue hunt so far. Palaces and lost treasure looted by the Nazis pale in comparison to the promise of learning more about their parents, but are Amy and Dan walking into a trap?
Five books in, I’m starting to feel like every time I’m ready to read the next book, I should re-read all the ones before it again to remember the important details. I know some of that is my own memory problems, but there’s just so much happening over the course of these books. It’s hard to keep up with who might be bad, who definitely is bad, and who seemed to be good but double-crossed someone else. Little hints that aren’t followed-up on right away get lost in the greater story. The fact that this bothers me probably means that I’m enjoying the series, though, and I am. I just may have to start taking notes about what’s going on.
Somehow I knew that when, in my review for the previous book, I said that a future book might give me a different look at the Holts than the family of meatheads they’ve been portrayed as so far, it would end up happening soon, and I was right. Though really, it’s only the eldest son, Hamilton Holt who has a bit of character development here. I thought it was weird that after receiving actionable intel, he takes part in some kind of family capture-the-flag game before telling his dad that they need to get moving. Makes little sense. I also didn’t really get how the black circle was a big enough deal in the book to be put in the title. But overall, I enjoyed this book and look forward to continuing the series.
Meet Molly Molly Learns a Lesson Molly’s Surprise Happy Birthday, Molly Molly Saves the Day Changes for Molly American Girl: Molly series #1-6 by Valerie Tripp
My overall rating: 5 / 5 Genre: Children’s historical fiction
I’ve been aware of American Girl books my whole life, though I didn’t realize how recently more were still being released. I’ve collected a few of these at thrift stores or sales over the years and decided to combine all 6 of one girl’s series into one review. I started with Molly, partly because it’s the only one I have all 6 of and partly because it’s the only one I remember for sure reading when I was younger. I thought the series might be silly or feel too light, since these books were written to go along with actual dolls, thus they could have been very quick and simple. However, they don’t smack of a marketing ploy; the author did a great job with them, and they’re really just like any other book series written for kids this age. Also, the “Looking Back” section at the end of each book is really interesting! I love that it gives a little history of the time period, generally relating to the story, with pictures and even examples of ads/posters/propaganda from that time period. The focus is on children and even women, which is something that you really aren’t going to see a lot of places. I think these books could be a great resource for teaching kids age 7+ about the time period, how kids lived in those days, and the hardships they had to deal with. If I’d gotten to these books when my daughter was younger, I would have had her read them and then discussed them with her afterward. Brief, individual reviews follow below:
Meet Molly: Molly and her brother are quite mean in this book, though it’s also very realistic. The end result is that they are shown a comparison between how they are treating each other and the war their father is away helping with, which I believe is the entire point. Many reviewers seem bothered by the way they treat each other, and it certainly isn’t the best example for the kids who read it, but hopefully they will pick up on the message at the end.
Molly Learns a Lesson: Molly’s got a little bit of a manipulative streak, which I totally can relate with. I like the way this one works out in the end—it might be a bit easy, but it is a kid’s book, after all.
Molly’s Surprise: Christmastime is hard for a lot of people, and Molly’s situation is not an easy one. As she tries to make Christmas as close to normal as possible, she learns that it’s just as much fun (or even moreso) to be the one giving surprises as to be the one getting them. I love the ending of this one. I may have teared up a little.
Happy Birthday, Molly!: I mean, it’s kind of strange that there’s a book dedicated to Molly learning a lesson, considering that she learns a lesson in pretty much every book in the series. Again, I feel for Molly here, as she regrets her decision to share her birthday with the displaced English girl. No one wins when you play the who-suffers-most game, except in fiction.
Molly Saves the Day: I particularly enjoyed the setting in this book, and while I would have absolutely hated a game like the one they play at camp (I hated a lot of things about camp, really, but most of that is because of my social issues that were developing at the time), it was fun to read about the strategy, wins, and losses. I will tell you right now, though, (possible spoiler) that if anyone dumped a jar of spiders on my head (or even just 1 spider, anywhere on me), I would never talk to them again. I would definitely not be bringing them an ice cream cone later that day.
Changes for Molly: This may be one of the most difficult to relate to in the series, which is sad, because it’s the final one (in the main series, at least). I wish the focus hadn’t been so strongly on Molly “looking the part,” that perhaps she could have learned that talent and ability were more important. But that’s not how it plays out and is probably the only one in the series that I would rate 4/5, instead of 5/5. Still, the ending is really great!
Ramona and Her Father Ramona Quimby #4 by Beverly Cleary Read by Stockard Channing
My rating: 5 / 5 Genre: Children’s classic
I so wish I had read these books when I was a child. I remember knowing about them. I may have read one, or maybe it was a different one set in the same world. But I really think I would have connected with Ramona. This book was my favorite so far, and that’s considering that I’ve really liked them all. Ramona gets to spend more time with her dad than usual, but it’s at the cost of him having lost his job and taking some time to find a new one. The scenes that stuck out to me the most are those related to her dad’s smoking habit. The scene where Beezus confronts him about it is relatively intense, and when her dad confesses his brief slip to Ramona, I teared up a little! This book is not just about the adventures of a young girl; it’s full of so much heart! Stockard Channing’s narration is pretty great, too, and I recommend it for anyone who might be interested, young or old.
These Happy Golden Years Little House #8 by Laura Ingalls Wilder read by Cherry Jones
My rating: 4 / 5 Genre: Children’s historical classic
Of course I knew that Laura would grow up and this family that started in the Big Woods of Wisconsin would eventually change as some of them moved on, but that doesn’t mean it’s not still a little sad when it happens. Still, most of it was enjoyable, as a few years go by with Laura teaching school and finding other ways to make money to help her family, as well as spending time with Almanzo Wilder, who isn’t dissuaded when Laura tells him there’s no future for them. Unlike another series I read with a young main character, it’s not really the change in Laura’s maturity, motivations, or even location that make this book slightly less enjoyable for me than the rest of the series. I think it had more to do with the somewhat shallowness of the writing, even though I’m used to it by now. In this particular book, with the progression from wanting to be an old maid so she doesn’t have to leave home to happily accepting Almanzo’s marriage proposal, it really would have been nice to get a little more in depth on Laura’s thoughts and feelings. Overall, though, I liked what is essentially the end to the series, since the last one is a departure from the rest of the series.
As before, my enjoyment of the book was greatly enhanced by the audiobook narrator, Cherry Jones, who does a fantastic job, and being able to hear Pa’s fiddle, thanks to Paul Woodiel. If you’ve ever considered reading this series, or have already read it and have occasion to listen to the audiobooks, I say do it!
Back to the Drawing Board McGee and Me! #6 by Bill Myers
My rating: 5 / 5 Genre: Children’s Christian fiction
Oh, Nick, I really feel ya in this story. Not that I’m an artist, not even close, but I definitely know what it’s like to feel threatened by someone who comes along and seems to be better than you at something you felt was your strong point. Quite frankly, everything Nick feels here I have felt before, so this book hit me closer to home than most of the others in the series. The lesson Nick learns—to simply do your best and focus on using your talents and abilities in whatever way God has planned for you, rather than worry about comparing yourself to others—is a good one for everyone and even a good reminder for those who may have learned that in the past. Definitely one of my favorites in the series. McGee, Nick’s animated friend, isn’t as enjoyable on the page as he is on the screen, but I tend to just skim the all-animated sections now. These books may not be easy to find anymore, but if you do have the chance to read this book or procure it for an 8-10-year-old child, I recommend it.
Ralph S. Mouse Ralph S. Mouse #3 by Beverly Cleary
My rating: 5 / 5 Genre: Children’s classic, fantasy
I thought this book would be redundant, considering that Ralph runs away in this book like he did in the previous. And it did start out that way, with Ralph annoyed at his young relatives wanting to borrow his motorcycle and then leaving the hotel. But his experience at school was different enough from his experience at camp that it felt completely fresh. I really liked Miss K and the way she taught and that even Ralph learned some important things from her. The ending to the book, which is the ending to the series, went better than I expected it to. I again find myself wishing that I’d read these books to my kids when they were young, as I think it would have been a fun adventure series to read together.
My rating: 5 / 5 Genre: Children’s mystery, adventure
Looking for a clue in Egypt involves a lot of sand and a lot of mistrust. Though that’s to be expected when you’re trying to outsmart some of the smartest people in the world, who also happen to be related to you. Amy and Dan Cahill have been attacked by fellow clue hunters and betrayed by false allies. But when a message from their dead grandmother, whose death started off the clue hunt, leaves them wondering if they can even trust her now, will they succumb to becoming like their nasty relatives themselves?
This was my favorite book in the series so far. It was still filled with some of the same zany antics and cheesy dialog from the previous books, but I really liked the way the story unfolded. Dan and Amy had some serious sibling things to work out between them, and Nellie, their au pair, really took a step up in my estimation too. I appreciate more and more the scenes shown now and then from the perspectives of various opponent Cahills, as we get to see that they’re more than just evil villains. And frankly, I’m glad the Holts weren’t in this one, because so far, they’re just an annoying family of meatheads. Maybe some future book will give me a different view of them though.
You know what I would love? A recap of what clues have already been found, because when I think back on the previous books, I’m not sure I can accurately remember which things they found were official Clues and which things were clues to the clues. But while I’m not sure that the mystery and clue part of these books actually make any kind of logical sense and would really work out in real life at all, I’m still enjoying the ride and look forward to continuing the series.
My rating: 5 / 5 Genre: Children’s Christian fiction
This might be my favorite of this series so far, with the exception of the first one, which had a leg up with nostalgia. Like that first book, this one has a good emotional component, as Nick tries to stand up for a kid who is being bullied. Unfortunately, he has to learn that it takes a lot to shake people out of complacency (himself included). While he may not make all of the best choices and second-guesses his own responsibility in the situation, it’s no surprise that, with some help from his wise parents, he makes the right decisions in the end. It’s a good short story overall, though McGee, Nick’s animated friend, isn’t as enjoyable on the page as he is on the screen. These books may not be easy to find anymore, but if you do have the chance to read this book or procure it for an 8-10-year-old child, I recommend it.
A Journey of Words 